Vanderbilt LT Andrew Jelks out for season with knee injury

Jelks, a two-year starter, injured his knee in an indoor 11-on-11 drill at practice Wednesday night.

The redshirt junior was expected to start on the offensive line again this season for the Commodores, as he was regarded as one of the team's best veteran performers and leaders.

“I’m really disappointed for Andrew because he’s such a fine young man,” Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason said. “Andrew was having an excellent camp and was looking forward to having a big year. He’s a tremendous talent who commands respect throughout the locker room. Andrew’s a dedicated, hard worker and I know he will come back even stronger.”

A native of Paris, Tenn., Jelks started 22 games on Vanderbilt's offensive line during his first two collegiate seasons. He was a Freshman All-America selection and SEC All-Freshman performer in 2013, after being credited with 26 knockdown blocks and 42 blocks that led to first downs or touchdowns.

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